James W. "Jimmy" Howard

James W., "Jimmy" Howard was born to Houston B. Howard and Lydia Jane (Johnson) Howard on April 16, 1948. He was the youngest of three children. He went home to be with the Lord, after a long illness on June 5, 2025 at the Heritage Center.

James accepted Christ at a young age at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Rev. Moore. However, Jimmy was not a "church -goer". The era of time and history he grew up in developed a deep distrust in authority and a dislike for conformity. He embodied Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."(NIV).

The lines between Jimmy's birth and death dates are filled with all the moves and emotions of a life truly lived. Jimmy had an unconventional way of embracing others that he cared about. He got around by car, bike and foot because he would walk ANYWHERE! He worked various jobs in Evansville, but retired from the Department of Street Maintenance with the City of Gary, Indiana. Despite bouts with his mental health, Jimmy always made sure his family knew he loved them. He wandered a bit, but always had a way of letting himself be known by dropping a holiday card in the mail, calling a loved one out of the blue, showing up at a funeral or even deciding to stop by-- unannounced, of course. And he never came empty handed. Jimmy 's heart was intentional and he shared whenever and however he could. Lord only knows where the day-old bread came from, and if he knew your favorite soft drink, he would bring that, as well!

He loved music, basketball, old westerns and meatloaf! He could eat meatloaf every day of the week-but it had to be right: ground chuck, green peppers and onions! He joked around a lot and always brought a smile in his pocket with his antics and playful rhetoric. He was so friendly and endearing, he was cherished by everyone he met, including the staff at the facilities where he lived, who couldn't help but spoil him.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William ("Butch"), with whom he grew up, Donald, and sister Delores (Howard) Wisdom.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Antoinette Copeland, a caregiver, and a son, Andre Hicks, (Lorri); a sister, Doris (Howard) Harris, all of Evansville. He had 4 grandsons and 5 great- grandchildren. Also mourning this great loss is a host of friends and family that includes many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He will truly be missed.